I think its not a deer gun at all, sorry. 44 mag would be a starting point to me for hand gun hunting deer with. The barrel length may not be legal in some states.

I would agree. HOWEVER, i know in WV the minimum pistol is a .357, with a 6" barrel. I shoot dads .357 all the time, but if i were to head out with a pistol, it would be the Ruger SuperRedhawk sitting in the gun cabinet. with 300 GR hornady XTP's, i wouldnt have a doubt that it would kill a deer. hell, my uncle dropped a bear with it...